Plans for a high-speed rail link between London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports are being considered. Additionally, work began in 2013 on the demolition and rebuilding of Pier 1, which is due for completion in 2015.

Transfer between terminals

There is a free 24-hour shuttle train, which links the North and South Terminals.

Driving directions

London Gatwick Airport is clearly signposted from the London motorway network, including the M25 (junction 7), which is a short distance away. London Gatwick Airport is directly accessible from the M23 motorway (junction 9) and the A23 (London to Brighton road).

Coach: There are more than 400 express coach services operating daily from the coach stations at both terminals. The main coach station is located on the ground floor of the South Terminal, with most services operating from here. Principal routes also stop at the North Terminal. There are desks providing coach information and tickets in the arrivals concourses of both terminals.EasyBus (www.easybus.co.uk) runs services to Earl's Court. National Express (tel: 0871 781 8181; www.nationalexpress.com) operates services to London Heathrow Airport and central London from both terminals. The National Express Shuttle coach 25 connects to London Victoria Station. Oxford Bus (tel: 01865 785 400; www.oxfordbus.co.uk) links the North and South Terminals to Oxford. The Gatwick Flyer (tel: (01708) 730 555; www.gatwickflyer.co.uk) runs to destinations east of London from the South Terminal station only.Taxi: Taxi booking desks (tel: (01293 550 000; taxis.gatwickairport.com) are located in the North Terminal arrivals area and the northern entrance to the South Terminal; taxis wait outside the terminal buildings. Taxis can also be booked in advance via the airport website. Fares into central London are around £100.Rail: The railway station is adjacent to the South Terminal. The Gatwick Express (tel: 0845 850 1530; www.gatwickexpress.co.uk) runs regularly between 0435 and 0135 to London Victoria Station (journey time: 30 minutes; fare: £19.90 – a discounted rate is available online).The Thameslink (tel: 0845 748 4950; www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk) service stops at London St Pancras International (journey time: 50 minutes; fare: from £8.90) and other London stations, before heading north to Luton and Bedford.Southern (tel: 08451 27 29 20; southernrailway.com) services connect the airport with London Victoria (journey time: 32 minutes; fare: £14.40) and the south coast.Information on all national rail travel is available through the 24-hour National Rail Enquiries line (tel: 0845 748 4950; www.nationalrail.co.uk).

Car parking

Each terminal has a short-term car park that’s linked via covered walkways. Long-term parking is available in car parks further from the terminals; a free shuttle bus runs between these car parks and the terminals. Passengers can book parking in advance (tel: 0844 811 8311; parking.gatwickairport.com). Valet parking is also available.

Information and help desks

Each arrivals concourse has an information desk where multi-lingual staff are on hand to deal with enquiries 24 hours a day.

Airport Facilities

Money: Bureaux de change facilities and ATMs are available in the arrivals and departures areas of both terminals.Communications: Public telephones are located throughout London Gatwick Airport. There is a 24-hour internet café in the South Terminal; paid-for wireless internet access is also available. Postboxes are located in the post-security departure areas of the South and North Terminals and at check-in in the North Terminal.Food: There are numerous restaurants, bars and cafés located in both terminals (both pre- and post-security).Shopping: There are many shops at London Gatwick Airport, including fashion boutiques, souvenir retailers and newsagents. Several duty-free outlets are available for passengers leaving the EU. The airport also offers home delivery and collection services for items purchased within the terminal.Luggage: Left-luggage facilities are available in both terminals. A lost property service is operated by the Excess Baggage Company (tel: (01293) 503 162). Luggage trolleys are available for a £1 deposit. A porter service (tel: 0844 693 1113) is located in the baggage reclaim areas.Other facilities: Other facilities at London Gatwick Airport include baby changing rooms, showers, a children's play area, prayer rooms, and a medical centre offering vaccinations (tel: (01293) 507 400).

Conference and business facilities

There are extensive business facilities and meeting rooms at the No.1 Lounge (tel: 08442 646 440; www.no1traveller.com) in the North Terminal – the No.1 Lounge in the South Terminal offers similar services but does not have meeting space. There is one additional executive lounge in the South Terminal (Servisair Lounge) and two in the North Terminal (Aspire Lounge and the Aviance Alexandra Suite).Away from the terminals, meeting rooms are available at the Gatwick Centre (tel: (01189) 635 814; www.simplygatwickoffices.co.uk), which is close to the South Terminal. Business facilities – including telephone, fax, photocopy and secretarial services and conference and meeting rooms – are also available at London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: (01293) 518 080; www3.hilton.com) at the South Terminal, and at Sofitel London Gatwick (tel: (01293) 567 070; www.sofitel.com) at the North Terminal.

Disabled facilities

Special assistance (tel: 0844 892 0322) is available for disabled passengers. There are ramps and/or lifts where necessary, disabled toilets, induction loops and reserved seating. There is designated parking space for badge holders in the short-stay car parks linked to the terminal buildings. Wheelchair assistance and help with baggage is also available on request. Passengers requiring further assistance should inform the relevant airline before travelling.

Airport hotels

There are a number of hotels at London Gatwick Airport, while there is also a range of accommodation options in the surrounding area (some of which offer shuttle services to and from the airport). Our London Gatwick Airport guide includes the following hotels:

London Gatwick Hilton HotelLondon Gatwick Hilton Hotel is located at the South Terminal of London Gatwick Airport and is linked via a covered walkway. The hotel offers a 'park and fly' car parking package and has a range of bars and restaurants.London Gatwick Airport, South TerminalCrawley, United KingdomTel: (01293) 518 080.Web: www3.hilton.com

Sofitel London Gatwick HotelBoasting a choice of dining options and meeting facilities, this mid-range hotel is located at the North Terminal of London Gatwick Airport and is linked to the South Terminal by monorail.North Terminal Gatwick Airport West Sussex, United KingdomTel: (01293) 567 070.Web: www.sofitel.com

YotelAirport accommodation with a twist, Yotel is a 'capsule' hotel that's located in the international arrivals hall in the South Terminal. Rooms, which are booked by the hour, are arranged in a cabin-style layout, and include a shower, free Wi-Fi internet access and a desk.Gatwick Airport, South Terminal ArrivalsWest Sussex, United KingdomTel: (020) 7100 1100.Web: www.yotel.com

Premier Inn Gatwick AirportThe budget Premier Inn is situated within a five-minute walk of the North Terminal. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and meeting space, and has the option of 'park and fly' car parking facility.North Terminal, Longbridge WayGatwick Airport, United KingdomTel: 0871 527 8406.Web: www.premiertravelinn.com

Holiday Inn Gatwick AirportA ten-minute drive from Gatwick Airport and with a 'park and fly' offering, the Holiday Inn Gatwick Airport is a good budget option. Suitable for those staying through business, the hotel boasts 12 meeting rooms, and offers Wi-Fi internet access and a shuttle bus service for a fee.Povey Cross RoadGatwick Airport, United KingdomTel: 0871 942 9030.Web: www.ihg.com

Courtyard London Gatwick AirportWithin walking distance of the South Terminal, the Courtyard London Gatwick operates a regular shuttle bus service to the terminals. Among its range of facilities are business services, a fitness centre and car parking space.London Gatwick Airport Buckingham Gate, United KingdomTel: (01293) 566 300.Web: www.marriott.co.uk